August 28, 2016

September is National Preparedness month in the United States so I focus on earthquake preparedness. My food storage focus in September is what I like to call meat and potatoes. I buy tuna in April, chicken in September, and beef in October for our food storage.

I keep canned meat in the house even though we typically eat fresh or frozen meat because it will be so useful during a disaster. And as long as we have rice and beans, we have a complete protein on hand. I keep about a 3-month supply of canned meats and I only buy meat my family will eat with our regular recipes. It's easy to through in a stew or casserole.

Shopping for meat throughout the year spreads the expense. In September, I buy canned chicken at Costco or Sam's Club for about $2.00 per can. You can also buy it at the Utah case lot sales.

My September Emergency Prep list suggests gathering chicken and a pork-type product for each person, but you can adjust the items and amounts on the list however you wish. I leave pork on the list because those of you with little kids might want Vienna sausages. I don't have any Spam eaters in my house, so I mostly buy chicken.

Canned chicken can be used in a variety of recipes such as chicken pizza, chicken stew, chicken salad sandwiches and chicken tortilla soup. It is something I use a few times a month, and I love the convenience. You know this semi-homemade food storage queen does not can her own chicken, but some of my amazing friends do with their canners. You can find some basic recipes on my Canned Chicken Recipes Pinterest Board.

Let's talk about potatoes. Those that have a short-term shelf-life typically come in boxes or cans, and the long-term flakes come in #10 sized cans. For short-term storage, I buy Honest Earth Creamy Mashed Potatoes (made by Idahoan Foods) from Costco for about $10.00. There are 14 pouches in the box with 8 servings each or .71 cents per meal or .09 cents a serving. It's great to use as a side dish for dinner when you don't have time to prepare fresh potatoes.

However there is nothing like homemade mashed potatoes. Instant potatoes DO NOT have a long shelf-life because they are made with a little butter or oil. Maybe a 3 - 6 month shelf life. Or you could store a bag of fresh potatoes, which are very inexpensive.

For emergency preparedness, practice Drop! Cover! Hold on! with your family. Children learn quickly and repetition helps them know what to do wherever they are if the ground shakes. Learn how to practice Drop! Cover! Hold On! here.

My spiritual theme for this month is Be Hopeful. We are so blessed in this nation. As we continue to have hope and faith in God, we can accomplish miracles. Never give up hope when the world is falling apart.

"As we think about the future, we should be filled with faith and hope. Always remember that Jesus Christ—the Creator of the universe, the architect of our salvation, and the head of this Church—is in control. He will not permit His work to fail. He will be victorious over all darkness and evil. And He invites us all, members of His Church and others who are the honest in heart, to join in the battle for the souls of God’s children. Along with all else we will do in life, we must also dedicate and consecrate our heart, might, mind, and strength to His cause, walking in faith and working with conviction." ~ Elder M. Russell Ballard

STEP 2: STORE DRINKING WATER for times when your water supply is limited. I store a 2 week supply (14 gallons) per person. I buy cases of water, and store in barrels too. Drink some, buy or fill some more.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received one or more of the products or services mentioned in some of my posts for free. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” All opinions expressed on this blog are my own and all content is mine.

Though I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am not an official church representative. Suggestions about food storage, emergency preparedness, items to purchase, gather or store for your family are just that; suggestions. You are the best judge of what works for your family. You promise to release me from all liability for any suggestions or opinion which may cause harm to you or your family. Thank you!